Mural project invites SU community to celebrate diversity

Mural project invites SU community to celebrate diversityMarch 06, 2003Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

In April 2002, through the connections of Lauren McCabe’s (’02) Sociology class and her experiences at Syracuse University, nationally known muralist Amy Bartell produced an original 6′ x 16′ mural that depicted how the SU community is defined by intersection of people from various background, cultures, and beliefs. The 2002 mural included the participation of over 200 students, faculty, and staff and is currently located in the Goldstein Student Center.

This year, the Office of Student Centers and Programming Services, Centers Advisory Board, Student Affairs Programming Council and Arts Adventure have again commissioned Bartell to create a large mural, this time in the Schine Student Center, from Feb. 24-March 9. This year’s mural, “Campus Intersections, Global Connections,” reflects the traditions, diversity and global connections of the University. Bartell will work in the Schine Student Center atrium weekdays from 11:00am-2:30pm. Students, faculty and staff are invited to paint with Bartell, and sign up sheets are available at the mural site.

“The goal is for the SU community to really take ownership in the project,” says Bartell. Once completed, the mural be installed in the Schine Student Center; there will be an unveiling reception March 17 at noon in Schine Student Center Rooms 304B-C. Additionally, Bartell will present the lecture “Art and Activism: A Global Connection.” March 4 at 4pm in the Schine Student Center Underground.

“The Mural Project is a way to challenge our community to understand and reflect upon diversity and connections because of its visible, permanent representation,” says Nate Emmons, assistant director of Student Centers and Programming Services and principal coordinator of this year’s project. “While walking through the building or attending an event, the mural will serve as a symbolic reminder of our place as a student center and as a University in a global context.”

“The mural will consist of four panels representing the intersections that connect, challenge and nurture SU students, preparing them for and propelling them into a larger universe,” says Michele Brisson, co-owner of Bartell’s company, AE Originals.

Known for brilliant colors and representations that make visual and visceral connections with the viewer, Bartell’s messages can be seen around the world. Her posters and other works are included in the United States Holocaust Museum, the United States Museum of Women in the Arts, the Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance and the Women’s Hall of Fame.